Detachable stairway system for water vehicles and method of use

Abstract

A detachable stairway system for use with a telescoping water vehicle ladder includes a frame, top and bottom brackets, and at least two steps hingedly mounted to the frame. Optionally, support cables and / or pneumatic cylinders can be added for support. A user attaches the stairway system to a ladder by hooking the bottom bracket under a bottom rung of the ladder, lifting the stairway system, and hooking the top bracket over a top rung of the ladder. Hooks may be utilized to more fully secure the stairway system to the ladder. The telescoping nature of the ladder allows it to expand / contract during attachment of the stairway system and to fully support and stabilize the stairway system to provide a safe and easy way to enter / exit a water vehicle. The hinged nature of the steps allows the stairway system to be folded for stowing / storage.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention pertains to a detachable stairway system for water vehicles and method of use thereof. More specifically, the invention pertains to a stairway system that can be detachably mounted on a telescoping ladder, such as a boat ladder. [0003] 2. Discussion of the Prior Art [0004] A variety of stepping structures have been commonly used to aid in ingress and egress from a vehicle. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,067,835 discloses collapsible metal steps that bolt to a vehicle. With regards to water vehicles, such as boats, ladders are typically used to enter or exit the vehicle. Boats often come equipped with a retractable or telescoping type ladder, such as the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,774,720. These types of boat ladders are difficult to use for certain individuals, especially the elderly or handicapped. Additionally, dogs might have a difficult time getting into and out of a boat having such a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention is directed to a detachable stairway system for use with a water vehicle. The stairway system includes a frame with a handle portion, top and bottom brackets extending from the frame, and at least two steps hingedly mounted to the frame. Optionally, support cables and / or pneumatic cylinders can be added to the stairway system to increase the load capacity of the system and provide additional stability.

[0008] In order to attach the stairway system to a telescoping water vehicle ladder, a user hooks the bottom bracket under a bottom rung of the ladder, lifts the stairway system with the aid of the handle portion, and hooks the top bracket over a top rung of the ladder. As the stairway system is lifted, after hooking the bottom bracket under the bottom ladder rung, the telescoping nature of the ladder allows it to retract / compact part way. Likewise, as the top bracket is lowered over the top ladder rung the telescoping nature of the ladder allows it extend part way. In this manner, the lower ladder rung is held by the bottom bracket and the top ladder rung is held by the top bracket, such that the stairway system is stabilized by the ladder and provides a safe and easy way to enter or exit the water vehicle. Additionally, hooks located at the top of the frame may be hooked over top portions of the ladder or may be inserted into the upper tube members of the ladder to more fully secure the stairway system to the ladder. While still on the ladder, the stairway system can be folded into a stowed position.

Problems solved by technology

These types of boat ladders are difficult to use for certain individuals, especially the elderly or handicapped.

Additionally, dogs might have a difficult time getting into and out of a boat having such a ladder, especially from the water.

Most boats come equipped with a standard ladder, and additional costs may be incurred if a user desires to replace the existing ladder with such a stairway system.

Furthermore, such stairways are cumbersome and difficult to store when not in use.

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